Alaska Fishing Regulations
The name of the game is to balance the interests of a powerful commercial fishing industry against those of the Alaska sport fishing industry, to the health, well-being and pleasure of all. No matter which area you choose to fish in Alaska, here's what you need to know:
- Check the emergency orders for your area to make sure you are complying with any regulations that have recently come down the pike.
- Never fish within 300 feet of a fish ladder or weir (fish trap) unless designated otherwise.
- Don't even think about marking or keeping live fish or live fish eggs.
- The penalties for selling your sport-caught fish are steep.
- Don't waste fish, but some fish, and the tail, heads and viscera of others, can be used as bait.
- Pay attention to the gear regulations for your fishing area, and leave the explosives and toxicants at home.
- Keep motorized vehicles out of streams and rivers unless you happen to possess a valid Fish Habitat permit.
Complete statewide fishing regulations can be found here: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/Statewideregs.cfm
You will need a valid Alaska fishing license, and if you're going after the state fish - Chinook, or king salmon - you'll need to purchase salmon tags. Both differ in cost between residents and non-residents. You can order these online:
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/licpermit.cfm
The state of Alaska promotes proper fishing ethics, too, which means more than just following the regulations. Taking care not to damage the natural environment or pollute (especially since discarded fishing line and hooks can kill wildlife), respecting private property, killing fish humanely, and preserving fish the right way are all important.
Alaska Fish >>>